Russian President Vladimir Putin responded sharply to U.S. President Donald Trump’s description of Russia as a “paper tiger” last week, following Trump’s sudden U-turn on Ukraine policy in which he expressed confidence that Ukraine could ultimately win the war. Speaking at the 22nd annual Valdai International Discussion Club meeting in Sochi, Putin directly challenged the logic of Trump’s remark and questioned Western messaging about Russia’s military capabilities.
“I don’t know if [Trump] was serious or joking,” Putin said. “But if Russia, which is fighting all NATO countries together and they couldn’t handle us, is a paper tiger, then what is NATO? A paper tiger? So deal with this paper tiger then.” He added sarcastically: “A paper tiger. What follows then? Go and deal with this paper tiger.”
Putin used the statement to underscore what he sees as contradictions in Western rhetoric. Over the last three and a half years, NATO and EU officials have portrayed Russia as both a major existential threat capable of aggressive action in Europe, and simultaneously as weak and destined to fail in Ukraine. Putin highlighted the inconsistency, questioning why NATO has not directly intervened if Russia is allegedly so fragile.
The Russian president also reiterated previous warnings regarding potential U.S. assistance to Ukraine. Following Trump’s policy shift, reports emerged that the U.S. may supply Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of deep strikes into Russian territory. Putin has already declared that such actions, especially if U.S. personnel provide targeting or operational support, would constitute a red line for Moscow.
Trump’s initial “paper tiger” comment was quickly softened in private discussions with U.S. generals, though he later expressed disappointment that Russia had not been defeated swiftly. Analysts suggest that Trump’s U-turn may have been politically motivated, attempting to balance appearing supportive of Ukraine while maintaining leverage over Russia.